Max Power Transfer: Source Voltage & Load Explained

Click For Summary
The maximum power transfer theorem states that maximum power is delivered to a load when the load resistance equals the Thévenin resistance of the source circuit. The Thévenin voltage represents the open-circuit voltage at the load terminals, which is crucial for accurate calculations. While the actual source voltage may differ, the Thévenin voltage simplifies analysis by accounting for internal resistances. The load is indeed arbitrary, but optimizing power transfer requires matching the load to the Thévenin resistance. Understanding these concepts is essential for effective circuit design and maximizing power delivery.
gfd43tg
Gold Member
Messages
947
Reaction score
48
Hello,

I was wondering, why is it that when calculating the maximum power transfer, the source voltage is the thévenin voltage, and not the actual source?

What we call the load is arbitrary, no?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Some of the signal is "lost" in that Thévenin resistance, the remainder appears across the external load. Sometimes we wish to maximize the power into the load.
 

Thread 'Electric power distribution from powerplant to homes'

I am trying to understand how transferring electric from the powerplant to my house is more effective using high voltage. The suggested explanation that the current is equal to the power supply divided by the voltage, and hence higher voltage leads to lower current and as a result to a lower power loss on the conductives is very confusing me. I know that the current is determined by the voltage and the resistance, and not by a power capability - which defines a limit to the allowable...
View full post »

Similar threads

Electric power distribution from powerplant to homes
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
Maximum power from a transformer
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Power, current, voltage transfer principles
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Reducing AC inrush current in this setup
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Measuring Power output of DC generator
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
Variable vs constant power supply
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Impedance Matching when the Transmitter, Line and Load impedances are different
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
How to operate a Variable DC source
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
How to use a bench power supply
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
How is power limited from renewable sources
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K